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Farwest adds full-day retail garden center tour

Organizers of the 2016 Farwest Show announced a new pre-show tour featuring retail garden centers. "Local Favorites and Must-see Destination Garden Centers" will take place from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Wednesday, August 24.

The tour will feature stops at several of the area's most innovative and successful retail garden centers, including Bauman Farms and Garden; Shonnard's Nursery, Florist and Landscape; Garland Nursery and Sebright Gardens. The tour will also include wholesale grower Little Prince of Oregon Nursery.

This retail-focused tour is one of three tours taking place on the same day. The other two tours will feature wholesale nursery operations.

Pre-registration is required for all tours. Cost is $99 per tour if registered by July 31 and $115 starting August 1; price includes luxury motor coach transportation, lunch, beverages, snacks and a Farwest 3-Day Expo Pass.

SAVE THE DATE: July 20 — New Member Social Gathering

New OAN members are invited to an Open House where they can meet the association staff, other new members and OAN volunteer leaders.

The Open House will be held from 4–6 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 in the Dick Joyce Conference Room at OAN, 29751 SW Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville, Oregon. Drop in anytime. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. This event is a great opportunity for networking and finding out how you can get more from your OAN membership. For planning purposes, please RSVP by Monday, July 18 to Allison Pennell at 503-682-5089 or apennell@oan.org.

Stone: 'Be thankful America welcomes immigrants'

"Numerous studies show that immigrants (legal or not) are less likely than the born-here population to commit violent crimes or be incarcerated," Stone stated. "A 2016 study by the Immigration Policy Center found that as immigration has gone up, crime has gone down. A 2007 study by IPC found that 'for every ethnic group without exception, incarceration rates among young men are lowest for immigrants.' Our immigration system may be broken, but closing the gates is not the answer. We'd be giving in to fear and, ultimately, harming our economy."

The op-ed was a response to an article by Cynthia Kendoll of Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR) which falsely equated immigration with increased criminality.

The OAN and its allies inside and outside of agriculture will continue to monitor the political activities of OFIR and other groups that threaten to harm our friends and partners who happen to be immigrants. The deadline recently passed for OFIR to submit rumored ballot measures for 2016. None were submitted. We will continue to push for true comprehensive reform that provides border security, permanent status for those who are here, and an adequate workforce.

New administration could herald immigration reform

According to an article published by Politico, several influential lawmakers see an opening for immigration reform in 2017, especially if Hillary Clinton wins and the GOP takes another hit among Latinos. Meanwhile, immigration advocates are laying the groundwork for a reform push in 2017 through conversations with lawmakers and events to cultivate support among conservative constituencies.

Corporate tax proposal headed to November ballot

The Initiative Petition 28 corporate tax measure — a proposal that would become the largest corporate tax hike in Oregon history — has made the November ballot, while five others are pending as the Oregon Secretary of State verifies signatures.

"IP 28: A Better Oregon" seeks to raise an estimated $3 billion in additional tax revenue each year. These funds are earmarked for the general fund but promised for public education for public education, health care and senior services. The state's largest 1,000 businesses registered as C-corporations with at least $25 million in annual sales would pay a minimum $30,000 tax, plus a so-called gross receipts tax of 2.5 percent on any sales above that threshold.

PEST ALERT: Black bean aphid

It's time to guard your nasturtiums and other ornamental plants, according to OSU entomologist Robin Rosetta. Black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) are one of the aphids that thrive in warmer weather, appearing on the undersides of leaves and on the growing tips of host plants. They reproduce quickly, so monitor susceptible containers and baskets to avoid damage.

Know the nine tractor safety elements

A significant percentage of agricultural injuries and fatalities occur on and around tractors. This video — in English and Spanish — covers the nine important safety elements that Oregon OSHA requires every ag employer to review with their tractor drivers at least annually. Safety issues unique to the equipment and work environment are also discussed.

For more information, download these training guides for agriculture tractor operators:English(PDF) | Spanish(PDF)

DVDs of these videos can be ordered online — use order code AGRI-09 for Tractor Safety Elements — or, while supplies last, DVDs will also be available at the OAN Resource Center at the Farwest Show. These instructional safety materials are provided by SAIF Corporation, Oregon's not-for-profit, state-chartered workers' compensation insurance company.

Farwest Show volunteers needed!

The OAN event team is looking for volunteers to help make some of Farwest's features even more fun and memorable. Would you like to spend the day in Nursery Country or attend the stellar seminars lined up for this year? Or how would you like competing against your fellow retailers to win some prizes in our container and merchandising competitions?

Participation opportunities include Tour Bus Captains, Seminar Moderators and Retail Competitors. To sign up and for more information, contact Crystal Cady at ccady@oan.org or 503-582-2006.

Ship and save with OAN Trucks to 2016 Summer Trade Shows

The OAN is coordinating trucks to IGC Chicago. Space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation, fill out the order form and send it to Ali Pennell (apennell@oan.org or fax it to 503-682-5099). For questions, contact Ali at 503-582-2010.

Retail and Greenhouse Chapters
♦ JULY 27 - On Wednesday, July 27, the Retail and Greenhouse chapters will meet at The Oregon Garden, 879 W Main St., Silverton, Oregon. Tours of new plants — presented by Ball FloraPlant, EuroAmerican, PanAmerican Seed and Selecta — will be given at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and presentations from Ron Newble of EuroAmerican on the new selections. Also, Ty Boland and Mark Hunter of The Oregon Garden will give updates on the current garden plantings and the future direction of the botanical attraction. Cost is $30. For more information and to RSVP, contact Mark Leichty at mark@littleprinceoforegon.com or 503-522-9678. Register online »

Farwest Show
♦ AUGUST 25-27 - Register now for the Farwest Show, taking place Thursday–Saturday, August 25–27, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The show is growing; last year's attendees met over 400 exhibitors from across the globe and connected with over 6,000 industry professionals. This year is on track to be even better.

Registration offers range from a $5 admission for OAN members on up to combination tickets that help you save big. All include an early bird discount if you register now. More Info »

Farwest Nursery Tours
♦ AUGUST 24 - Grow your success and competitive advantage. Discover new varieties. Meet new growers and suppliers. Explore new ideas. And meet other wonderful people and leaders in our industry. These are just a few reasons to join one of the Farwest tours. More Info »

FREE Farwest Keynote Speaker: Dr. Charlie Hall
♦ AUGUST 25 - His speech, "Factors Affecting Short and Long-Term Demand in the Future," will share vital information that will guide the green industry as it formulates strategic marketing plans for the post-Great Recession economy. More Info »

Farwest Pub Crawl
♦ AUGUST 25 - With names like Vlad the Imp Aler, Organic Green Elephant and Survival Seven Grain Stout, you know you're in a town devoted to microbrews and that is appropriately nicknamed Beervana. Farwest is celebrating the city's beer culture with its 5th Annual Pub Crawl. Explore the best that Portland's local craft brewers has to offer! More Info »

OAN Resource Guide

This 20-page PDF will help you get more from your OAN membership investment. It includes the full list of current OAN board, staff, chapter and committee contacts for the 2016 membership year. In addition, it has information about the member benefits that are available to you.

Our range of respected publications and engaging events provide valuable opportunities to strategically deliver your message and help achieve your sales and marketing goals. From print to digital to in person at the Farwest Show, we can help you find the best way to reach key nursery industry decision-makers through advertising and sponsorship. And as an OAN member you receive exclusive discounts and can save even more with our frequency discount for multiple ads. Download our Media Kit for all the details and contact Blair Thompson at 503-582-2012 or ads@oan.org to discuss how OAN advertising and sponsorship can help your business grow.